How gene CHRFAM7A is playing truant to Alzheimer's Drug Therapy

In recent years we have been hearing quite a lot about Alzheimer's disease. It is the most common form of dementia, affecting close to 50 million people worldwide as per the report of 2017. It is said that someone in the world develops dementia every 3 seconds. There are over 9.9 million new cases of dementia reported each year worldwide.
What is this disease all about? Alzheimer's disease is an irreversible and progressive brain disorder that quietly destroys the memory and thinking cells in our brain and over a period of time people affected with Alzheimer's lose the ability to even carry out the most simplest of everyday task that are almost like second nature to us. Mostly Alzheimer's is noted amongst people in their mid or late 60's. Alzheimer's is also the most common form of dementia among elderly people.
How can one detect the onset of Alzheimer's disease? There are some early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's like memory loss effecting or disrupting daily life. Difficulty in planning or solving problems that once was easy. Difficulty in completing familiar tasks like brushing teeth, doing household chores, forgetting sequence of work or even losing track of a game or not able to make the next move while playing games, specially board games. People with Alzheimer’s are unable to keep track of time, day or date. They have trouble remembering people and places, visual images, unable to recollect spellings or words while writing. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps.
Persons suffering from Alzheimer's mostly start disassociating themselves from hobbies that they once loved and also from social gatherings, work or projects that they were part of. These changes make them become recluse as they have trouble remembering things, places, people etc.
While there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease or no way to actually stop or slow the progression, however, there are certain drugs and non-drug options that are used in order to help treat the symptoms. Mostly it understands of the condition that can help the individuals living with the disease as well as the caregivers to cope with the symptoms and chalk out plans to improve the quality of life.
There has been lot of research going on and a new insights into a specific gene variant have been identified which could explain why drugs work in certain people with Alzheimer's while it does not with others.
The gene is called CHRFAM7A, and this gene is specific to humans, however, only 75 percent of humans have this gene. It is also known as the fusion gene. The same drugs worked when used on animals as the animals do not have this gene. It was also noted that 75 percent of people who carry this genes are less likely to benefit from using Alzheimer drugs. While people who do not carry these genes have responded better to the drugs that are now available.
This means that a more personalized approach will be necessary in order to treat Alzheimer's.

By: Madhuchanda Saxena
Content: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325807.php